PhD Student Spotlight: Mara Ulloa

Mara Ulloa aligns her work with her values, so it was important to her to join an interdisciplinary PhD program where she could pursue knowledge and conduct research in a principles-driven environment.

A 2023 US National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, Ulloa is a fourth-year PhD student in computer science (CS) at Northwestern Engineering. She specializes in applying human-computer interaction (HCI) methodologies to design and evaluate user-centered technologies and investigates the integration of machine learning (ML) into healthcare.

With adviser and professor Maia Jacobs, Ulloa and a research project team funded by the Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence (CASMI) are studying patient-facing ML and developing prevention and just-in-time adaptive intervention approaches for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.

A first-generation college student, Ulloa earned an associate degree from Harold Washington College and completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Northeastern Illinois University, where she was awarded TheDream.US scholarship and named 2020 Lincoln Academy Laureate.

We asked Ulloa about her experience as a PhD student at Northwestern, important lessons learned, and her advice for prospective PhD students.

Why did you decide to pursue a PhD in computer science at McCormick?

Although my undergraduate studies in CS provided foundational training, as I was nearing graduation it felt like there was more to understand. With each new related experience, I became more interested in investigating the humanitarian implications of my field’s technological contributions to society. Naturally, this drove me to apply to a variety of interdisciplinary PhD programs, including the McCormick CS PhD program, which fosters research at the intersection of CS and other fields.

However, what ultimately solidified my choice to select CS at McCormick was the people here. Beyond shared research interests, I believe it's important to align your values with those you'll be collaborating with over the course of your PhD program. During the interview phase with various PhD programs, I met a range of principal investigators and PhD students from the different universities and disciplines I applied to, which helped me gain insights into their dynamics and work culture.

What are three things you wish you had known before you started your PhD program?

First, it’s perfectly fine to have undefined or many research interests. Your first year as a PhD student at Northwestern CS is for situating yourself in your new environment, finding your people, and exploring your research interests.

Second, prioritize your research goals over perfection! What matters most in your PhD is the pursuit of knowledge and learning to conduct research, not necessarily what was most important during undergraduate study – such as GPA or required courses.

Third, while five years in one place might seem like a long time, it flies by. Stay dedicated but remember to take breaks and appreciate the experience.

Tell us about something you were excited to learn while you worked on a research project.

One of the most exciting aspects of the project I am currently working on is that it touches on so many areas: machine learning, behavioral health, maternal stress management, and human-computer interaction.

What are some examples of collaborative or interdisciplinary experiences at Northwestern that have been notably impactful to your research?

When I entered the program, I had the freedom to choose courses that interested me, such as Nell O’Rourke’s classes on computer science education. While CS Ed may seem unrelated to my current work in healthcare, that training prompted self-reflection, shaped how I view my own education in CS, and allowed me to consider the eventual end users’ perspective of the interventions I design.

What's next? What are your short- and long-term plans/goals in terms of your career path?

I'm excited to be approaching several PhD milestones in the coming months. I’m finalizing my CS qualifying exam to advance from PhD student to candidacy, conducting a couple of studies, submitting a new manuscript for publication, and I plan to wrap up the academic year with my PhD proposal.

After graduation, I plan to apply for various post-doctoral positions that allow me to continue conducting research across multiple fields, which feels much more natural to me now than when I first started the program.

What hobbies/activities do you enjoy? What’s your favorite part about living in Evanston/Chicago?

I enjoy biking — our bike lanes around campus are great! I also like gardening at home (though there is also a communal garden on campus). Working out and yoga are also faves. I practice regularly, especially when I need a midday break from my desk. And I love reading, whether it’s research-related or something for leisure that I can’t put down and travels with me to the many coffee shops on campus and in the city.

Also, having grown up in Chicago, there are so many features I love about this city: the lake, the museums, and the diverse neighborhoods — each is a different experience in cuisine and languages spoken. Even after living here for so long, there’s still so much about the city that I haven’t explored since it’s constantly changing.

What’s your favorite restaurant in Evanston/Chicago and why?

In Evanston, I frequently visit Soban Korea with my peers. The food is delicious, and it’s a short walk from the CS department.

What advice do you have for prospective Northwestern Computer Science PhD students?

If you come to Northwestern CS for your PhD, there are several student-led communities to join. Graduate Women in Computing is a relatively small group but offers a support network for women and other gender minorities in the department. The CS PhD Advisory Council promotes student well-being and connects students to resources, while the Computer Science Social Initiative hosts department dinners, game nights at local breweries, barbecues, crafts nights, trips around Chicagoland, and other community-building activities.

Regardless of whether you select Northwestern, it’s important for you to determine whether a PhD program is the right fit for you as much as it is for the program to evaluate your candidacy. Make sure to ask questions, such as which faculty are looking to hire, and consider meeting with them or their students to get a sense of what joining their lab would be like. Seek assistance with your application and identify the information you need from the program to help you decide your next steps. Northwestern CS provides PhD application support prior to submission.

Keep in mind that you’ll be dedicating the next five or more years of your life to the program you pick, so think about what truly matters to you — whether it’s the research focus, the community, locations to live and work, or the resources available.

Make sure you choose a program that aligns with what you value. Your PhD experience is likely to change you on a professional and personal level. It’s important to factor this into your decision-making process and evaluate how your choice relates to the person and researcher you want to become.